Staff Nurse Inpatient General, 9 Month FTC - UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford

Staff Nurse Inpatient General, 9 Month FTC - UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford

Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford. Job type: Fixed Term.

UPMC Whitfield Hospital is recruiting for a Staff Nurse Inpatient General on a 9 month Fixed Term Contract.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities Clinical

• Ensure the delivery of the highest possible standard of care to all patients.
• Act as preceptor to preregistration students, mentor new clinical and nonclinical staff, and support colleagues when needed.
• Liaise with link lecturers from affiliated nurse education departments to develop and maintain UPMC Whitfield Hospital as a recognised learning environment for student nurses.
• Develop and maintain effective communication and interpersonal relationships with all members of the multi disciplinary team to ensure a good team spirit and collaborative working practices.
• Support the unit manager by meeting responsibilities as set out by the Unit Manager or the Director of Nursing at any time.
• Identify and discuss nursing/patient needs with consultants, the nursing team, multidisciplinary team, patients and carers.
• Accept responsibility and be accountable for the holistic care of a named group of patients on a shift basis.
• Ensure that the highest possible standards of patient care and patient safety are maintained at all times.
• Demonstrate and promote a patient centred style of clinical practice, acting as patient advocate at all times and providing emotional and psychological support to patients admitted to the unit for treatment.
• Have an understanding of the principles and workings of pre assessment.
• Maintain high standards of communication, both written and verbal at all times. Have a working knowledge of all NMBI publications including the Scope of Practice Framework and Code of Professional Misconduct.
• Maintain own professional registration and submit to HR department for verification yearly.
• Develop and maintain a high level of knowledge of the following and always practice within the guidelines and policies written at both unit and hospital level:
  • Clinical risk reporting policy
  • Occupational Health
  • Facilities Management
  • Patient Moving and Handling
  • Resuscitation / Basic Life Support
  • Health and Safety
  • Departmental Financial & Budgetary Controls
• Ensure awareness of reporting of clinic risk and all health and safety concerns.
• Understand and participate in projects within the hospital.
• Undertake a pro active approach in achieving and maintaining accreditation standards within UPMC Whitfield Hospital and have an in depth knowledge of departmental and hospital wide policies.

Quality & Audit

• Participate and lead as required in clinical audit and research activity within the field, promoting a positive attitude towards the implementation of evidence based practice.
• Undertake research/clinical audit as necessary, critically analyse and provide written reports.
• Participate in local audits in preparation for annual accreditation.
• Work closely with the Quality and Patient Safety team, ensuring the department is meeting accreditation standards at all times.

Health and Safety

• Uphold UPMC Whitfield Hospital's policy requirements in relation to Fire, Infection Control, Radiation Safety and Health and Safety at work regulations and attend updates.
• Identify potential risks for all staff, patients and visitors and adhere to relevant incident reporting procedures.
• Observe a general duty of care for the health, safety and wellbeing of self, work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management associated with this post.

Professional / Education

• Develop the necessary skills to act as shift co ordinator / team leader, including assessment and allocation of workload to maintain patient and staff safety.
• Manage workload appropriately to ensure patient care needs are met and allow for allocated breaks.
• Be responsible for care, control, storage and administration of drugs according to clinic and statutory guidelines and the NMBI for the Administration of Medicines and Medication Management.
• Develop appropriate IT skills to work efficiently within the clinical environment.
• Have a working knowledge of Isoft and other IT systems on the patient pathway.
• Liaise directly with consultants regarding specific patient care and bed allocation.
• Continuously risk assess the theatre environment to ensure the safety of all patients, relatives and staff.
• Report any accidents, incidents or complaints according to UPMC Whitfield Hospital guidelines, policies and SOPs.
• Practice and demonstrate research based nursing care, maintaining personal and professional development.
• Undertake any specific training required to perform the role (e.g., use of equipment, administration of specialist medication).
• Observe complete confidentiality of all information, including awareness and adherence to legal requirements of GDPR legislation.
• Liaise with the Scheduling Team regarding the allocation of patient beds and theatre slots.

Qualifications & Experience

• Registered in the General Division of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) register; maintain annual registration.
• Basic Life Support certification.
• Minimum of one year post registration experience essential.
• Staff nurse may be assigned to any ward area within their scope of practice including Surgical, Medical, Recovery and Day Ward.

Personal Competencies

• Attend all mandatory education sessions in a timely manner.
• Maintain a professional portfolio.
• Ensure professional and personal persona positively reflects the profession of nursing and UPMC Whitfield Hospital.
• Time management skills.
• Ability to act quickly to address urgent matters.

Salary: €37,657.19 - €55,837.81 per annum (based on a 37 hour week).

Equal Opportunity Statement

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Benefits

• Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents.
• Competitive pension plan.
• Company funded Death in Service benefit three times.
• Critical illness cover for all employees up to age 66.
• Performance and recognition rewards supporting goals and mission of UPMC through the annual ACES programme.
• Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days, flexible working opportunities to support external family commitments.
• Opportunities for career development and advancement through continued learning.